In response to Sunday’s tantrum calling for the removal of Rockford Police Chief Chet Epperson: What a load of commie bull. Blaming the chief for an insubordinate police union and desperate crime caused by the Great Recession lacks only pitchforks and torches. We are better than that.

What resume could a police chief possibly have that is better than 26 years in the department followed by service intended to make citizens and police officers partners? The “wellness check” which underlies the latest owie claimed by the union is progressive policing designed to diffuse a problem before it becomes dangerous. The police academy, neighborhood associations, watch groups and social networks like Nextdoor all empower citizens to speak up and act.

As for friction between our brave officers and management, welcome to the working week. This happens everywhere. It’s not a reason to do less of a job than if things were all dandy. Here’s hoping Chief Epperson survives, community policing continues developing and the union and management work out their differences.